Gyllenhaal and Ashford to headline SUNDAY at The Hudson

[IdinaBellFoster]

jacobsnchz14 said: "I am happy/sad about this; some stellar performances/production assets won't be eligible, but also the run is extremely limited (compared to limited runs that have longer engagements), as the press release says, and it wouldn't be fair to the longer-running shows. This is a respectable and honorable decision, IMO."

I understand what you're staying - but the length of run really shouldn't matter. If the performances and the production warrant acknowledgement, I don't care if it ran for two weeks. I'm sure the other producers are very happy, just seems unnecessary. 

[GreenGables]

IdinaBellFoster said: "This is the WEIRDEST decision. Why do this? What do they stand to lose/gain?

SUNDAY will not compete for Tony Awards this season

 

"

I disagree - They're a small house with a limited run = really short time to recoup.  Being that they'd have no benefit from TONY awards (from a $$$ standpoint, the nominees would be announced after the show closes) and they'd be losing $650 of premium seat real estate for each tony voter, I can see why they'd make that decision.  Looks like ATG (lead producer) really wants the first show in the hudson to recoup.  Not saying I agree with it, but from a producer/house/investor standpoint, it at least has some reasoning.

[kdogg36]

It doesn't bother me, but that is odd! When's the last time something like this happened?

[AEA AGMA SM]

kdogg36 said: "It doesn't bother me, but that is odd! When's the last time something like this happened?"

 

Four years ago. The producers of I'll Eat You Last decided that they did not want to give up the nearly 1800 seats to Tony voters (almost 900 voters, two comps each), and withdrew the show from eligibility.

[theatreguy]

AEA AGMA SM said: 
Four years ago. The producers of I'll Eat You Last decided that they did not want to give up the nearly 1800 seats to Tony voters (almost 900 voters, two comps each), and withdrew the show from eligibility.

 

Not the same thing. The Nominating Committee was invited and saw the show. When they didn't receive any nominations, the producers cancelled the tickets for the regular voters.

[jacobsnchz14]

Question... is this show worth the trouble and the money if I wanted to fly in to see this for a one-night-only trip? I hate to ask a question like this, and in my heart any show is worth flying to NY to see, but I'm wondering due to the nature of the limited engagement, my scheduling, etc. I really want to see this. I'll forever regret not seeing "Follies" (it's my favorite show) and I've never seen "Sunday" live or any Sondheim musical in NY. I'd wonder about possibly doing this and seeing "Buñuel" if it opens in the fall, also.

[dramamama611]

I don't know if anyone can answer that for you.  

 

For ME, the answer is yes.   Sunday is my favorite Sondheim, perhaps my favorite show.   I connect to its themes entirely: art, sacrifice, love, searching for purpose, finding self value....

 

When I saw the original, I bawled my eyes out as I had never done at a theater.  The revival wasn't quite as emotional for me, as it left me a tad cold, but I still loved it.   

 

As with most Sondheim, the general public didn't love it.

[ljay889]

The people who love this show usually have a deep connection with it, yet others find it cold and boring. It's not a show that will please everyone, but it has some of Sondheim's most gorgeous and complex writing. It's impossible for me to listen to the "Sunday" finales without getting teary. 

I say give it a chance! 

[LesWickedly]

Wow, only a week til first preview! Going to be refreshing this page all night. Can't wait for the first reports.

[Wick3]

jacobsnchz14 said: "Question... is this show worth the trouble and the money if I wanted to fly in to see this for a one-night-only trip? I hate to ask a question like this, and in my heart any show is worth flying to NY to see, but I'm wondering due to the nature of the limited engagement, my scheduling, etc. I really want to see this. I'll forever regret not seeing "Follies" (it's my favorite show) and I've never seen "Sunday" live or any Sondheim musical in NY. I'd wonder about possibly doing this and seeing "Buñuel" if it opens in the fall, also."

I think it would be worth it if you can get a good seat. My friends and I were able to get second row center orchestra for $159! We couldn't believe it but for those seats at that price with Jake and Annaleigh?!? If you end up getting the $49 rear balcony seats, I'm not so sure I'd travel all the way to NYC for nosebleed seats but that might just be me.

 

[jacobsnchz14]

So dang conflicted. I am wanting orchestra for the final performance and I wouldn't know where to sit. Dang these $350 prices for my usual-area seats. Part of me wants to wait until Saturday for any seating recommendations based on the first preview.

[jacobsnchz14]

Ended up splurging and buying a ticket for the final performance which is sure to be amazing! 

 

I don't know if it was ever clarified somewhere in this long thread, but Jake's new movie LIFE is released on 3/24 so I assume his premiere is during that week SITPWG is dark in March. 

[neonlightsxo]

GreenGables said: "IdinaBellFoster said: "This is the WEIRDEST decision. Why do this? What do they stand to lose/gain?

SUNDAY will not compete for Tony Awards this season"

I disagree - They're a small house with a limited run = really short time to recoup.  Being that they'd have no benefit from TONY awards (from a $$$ standpoint, the nominees would be announced after the show closes) and they'd be losing $650 of premium seat real estate for each tony voter, I can see why they'd make that decision.  Looks like ATG (lead producer) really wants the first show in the hudson to recoup.  Not saying I agree with it, but from a producer/house/investor standpoint, it at least has some reasoning"

 

This is the reason.

 

[Bettyboy72]

If you have seen Annaleigh's interview with Paul Wontorek this is a labor of love for all involved, and from her gushing about Jake he is the farthest thing from a diva. I assume the producers want as many people, not voters, to see this special labor of love. There is little to nothing they can gain from accolades. A possible filming could help the bottom line. 

[ljay889]

Also, what male diva would do such an adorable photobomb like this!

 

[GreasedLightning]

I, too, have heard nothing but great things about him from friends working on this production since City Center. 

[ljay889]

He doesn't seem remotely close to being a diva or difficult, I hate that the annoying Wicked kid started insinuating that in the other thread.

[haterobics]

jacobsnchz14 said: "Ended up splurging and buying a ticket for the final performance which is sure to be amazing! "

I ended up buying a ticket for the last show, as well. I just hope it's a normal show and not one where people keep stopping the show with standing ovations, etc.

[jacobsnchz14]

"Music video" of Gyllenhaal singing "Finishing The Hat" onstage at the Hudson

https://www.facebook.com/JakeGyllenhaal/videos/10153654714977465/

[LesWickedly]

Wow. If you're not excited after watching that, I don't know what will make you excited. Simply can't wait. 

[devonian.t]

In that video he sounds uncannily like Mandy Patinkin.

[Tag]

There may not be a set or costumes, but at least we know they have a lot of fire hoses.

[jacobsnchz14]

You can tell form the end he is genuinely excited, humbled, and honored to be working on this.

[sondmon]

now i feel like i have to see this even though i already did at city center. I really hope there is a rush policy.

[stlrod]

That will sell some tickets, Tony or not.  Thankful this got scheduled for my upcoming trip. 

 

[little_sally]

I was already really excited but after that video I cannot wait to see it. Only about one more week for me!